Arsenal
Matchday 11 – Premier League Team of the Week featuring Man City and Arsenal stars
Premier League team of the week – featuring Man City and Arsenal stars
As the matchday 11 comes to a close, there has been a shift in the top four places with only Manchester City keeping their top spot. Liverpool’s draw against Arsenal saw them drop to third while the Gunners fell to the fifth place.
Tottenham Hotspur managed to pick up an important victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers that moves them up to fourth while Manchester United once again came from behind to win the game against Bournemouth, moving them to seventh place.
Chelsea also continued their unbeaten start after dispatching Crystal Palace, moving Sarri’s Blues to the second spot on the table. Here, we take a look at how the best team of the week as matchday 11 comes to an end.
Premier League team of the week
David De Gea (Manchester United)
Manchester United started the game on the back foot and saw an early Callum Wilson goal gifting the Cherries a lead. But the Red Devils came from behind to win the game 2-1 and if not for De Gea’s top saves, Bournemouth would have probably notched a win.
The Spaniard made a total of 6 saves and ensured Manchester United stayed in the lead. There’s no denying he really is the best goalkeeper in the world, even when his form has been patchy.
DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United picked up their first win of the season by also keeping a clean sheet in the process, largely thanks to the efforts put in by the American fullback. It is their second straight clean sheet and a third overall in the league for the Magpies.
Yedlin was a menace throughout the game as he marauded back and forth. He was also defensively solid on the night.
Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
As always, the Dutchman was defensively superb against the Gunners this weekend. If not for his tackles and pressure at the back, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would have probably won it for Unai Emery’s side.
The Dutch captain could have had a hat-trick as well after seeing two chances saved by a quick Bernd Leno and one hit the bar.
Federico Fernandez (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United are a much better side with Fernandez in the team. He has certainly helped shore things up at the back since his arrival. The centre-back worked hard all game against a resonant Watford side that possesses plenty of threats.
He kept the likes of Roberto Pereyra, Gerard Deulofeu and Isaac Success at bay. He also won a number of important headers inside his own box.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Chilwell continues to turn heads this season with his consistent performances for Leicester City. The left-back picked up the assist for Demarai Gray’s only goal against Cardiff City that handed the Foxes all three points in what has proven to be a very emotional win for the club.
The youngster was also neat and tidy while defending. He was barely troubled by the Cardiff attack.
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Sterling has been an absolute goal machine since Guardiola arrived at Manchester City. The former Liverpool wide man has already scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists this term. He scored two goals and picked up two assists in the game against Southampton.
The Saints were just not able to deal with his pace and trickery on the ball. It doesn’t matter if Sterling’s first touch often brings criticism, he’s just unstoppable.
David Silva (Manchester City)
How good has Silva been under Pep Guardiola! The Spaniard has seamlessly dictated play in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. His touch, pass and general ability on the ball never ceases to amaze. Silva effortlessly scored a splendid volley against the Saints as the Cityzens romped to a 6-1 win.
David Silva
The Spaniard seems to be getting better with age. It doesn’t matter how old he is, Silva’s creativity and range of passing are unrivalled in the squad.
Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)
The Uruguayan has completely abolished all of Arsenal’s midfield problems since arriving in the summer. He is quick, agile and can seamlessly distribute the ball without slowing down the play in transition.
His numbers against Liverpool were supreme, both defensively and offensively. If not for a tame shot straight at Alisson Becker, the midfielder would have probably found his first goal in an Arsenal kit.
Leroy Sane (Manchester City)
Whenever Sane has been called upon, he has always managed to deliver. Played a crucial role in the first own goal while also picking up an assist on the night. He capped his impressive performance with the final goal.
Sane’s devastating pace and control on the ball makes it very hard for defenders to mark him.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Aguero seems destined to score everytime he steps onto the field at the Etihad. He came close on other occasions as well. The Argentine has now scored 150 goals in the Premier League for Manchester City and there’s a strong chance he’ll go on to become the best foreign striker in the history of the Premier League.
Alvaro Morata (Chelsea)
Despite facing intense stick and criticism, Morata has now scored 4 goals in his last 3 games. The Spaniard scored two well-taken goals against Palace and could have had a hat-trick if not for a failed chip which was perfectly anticipated by Wayne Hennessey.
Read more: Chelsea should hold onto this £27million star amidst interest from Italy – Agree?
Morata seems to be getting better under Maurizio Sarri’s Philosophy.
Arsenal Dragon
Arsenal Star Katie McCabe Attracting NWSL Interest as Contract Expires This Summer With High Impact Player Rule Making Move Financially Viable
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is being closely monitored by National Women’s Soccer League clubs ahead of a pivotal summer for Arsenal. Several NWSL sides have shown ongoing interest for the past 18 months, fully aware that McCabe’s Arsenal deal expires at the end of the season.
The situation places McCabe at an important crossroads in her career. Having tasted Champions League triumph last summer, she wants to compete at the top level and that ambition will inevitably shape any decision she makes. Arsenal face losing one of their most recognizable figures unless they act quickly.
Ten Arsenal Stars Out of Contract
McCabe is not the only high profile name at Arsenal approaching the end of her current deal. The club has a staggering number of senior players out of contract this summer including Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little, Leah Williamson, Caitlin Foord, Beth Mead, Laia Codina, Steph Catley, Victoria Pelova and Manuela Zinsberger.
This list is frankly ridiculous for a club of Arsenal’s stature. Several of these players form the core of the team and have played key roles in recent domestic and European success. Decisions made by the club and by the players themselves will shape the direction of the squad moving forward, and Arsenal cannot afford to lose multiple stars simultaneously.
High Impact Player Rule Changes Game
The introduction of the NWSL High Impact Player rule in July is already influencing how clubs view potential signings from Europe. The rule allows NWSL clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million for high impact players, making moves for European stars like McCabe financially viable.
For now, McCabe remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Arsenal. Whether her future lies in north London or across the Atlantic will be one of the biggest stories to watch as summer approaches.
Also read: What Is The NWSL High Impact Player Rule and Who Could Be The First To Benefit From It?
Arsenal captain Leah Williamson has been announced as a National Year of Reading ambassador following the official launch of the 2026 campaign at Emirates Stadium.
The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson unveiled the Go All In initiative on January 13, positioning reading as a gateway to enhancing passions across all walks of life.
Williamson joined a stellar lineup of ambassadors including author Julia Donaldson, illustrator Axel Scheffler, poet Jackie Kay, and several other prominent figures from literature and public life. The event marked a significant moment for literacy promotion in the country, with the campaign centred on the message that reading can deepen enjoyment of whatever people already love.
A Message From the Pitch
Speaking at the launch, Williamson drew parallels between football and reading. She said the National Year of Reading represents a chance to fully commit to personal passions through literature in all its forms. The Arsenal skipper encouraged people to seize the opportunity by picking up books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into articles related to their interests. Her involvement underscores how sports figures can champion reading beyond their professional domains.
Resetting Reading Culture
Joanna Prior, chief executive of Pan Macmillan and chair of The National Literacy Trust, described the launch as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how Britain views books.
The ambition extends beyond traditional reading spaces, aiming to make literature accessible in communities, schools, and even on football pitches. Prior emphasized stripping away pressure and stigma around reading, making it relevant and enjoyable rather than obligatory.
The campaign represents a coordinated national effort to boost literacy rates and foster a genuine love of reading across all demographics and age groups throughout 2026.
Also read: Jodie Taylor Appointed Arsenal Women’s First Ever Technical Director
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
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